Octubre

Octubre nr

October is the "purple month" in Lima, when the grey city's somber tones give way to processions celebrating the Lord of Miracles. Hope is reborn among the throngs of devotees who light candles and follow the processions, each in search of their own miracle. Tucked away in one of the Lima's modest flats lives Clemente, a small time loan shark with a penchant for reckless hookers, grave solitude, money lending and nothing else. Stuck in a shallow routine, Clemente lacks any real emotional connection to anyone. People, in turn, refer to him not by name, but as "the pawnbroker's son." Whether it's a slippery counterfeiter, an amiable thief or a desperate neighbor, Clemente is sensitive only to what their business might bring him. Returning home one day, Clemente quickly realizes that an intruder had visited his home--not to steal from him, but instead to leave him with a little gift. Tucked in a small basket sitting on his bed Clemente finds a newborn baby, the product of one of his frequent liaisons with prostitutes. When Clemente finds himself ill-equipped for his new role, Sofia, one of his clients and an October worshipper, intervenes to help him take care of the baby while he goes in search of its mother. As the days stretch on, with Sofia and the baby sharing his home, Clemente discovers emotional attachments he never thought he had. And as seems fitting during the month of October, with its air of hope for better things, a once unpleasant, cold and lonely man named Clemente finds that his life is about to change.

Reviews from Rotten Tomatoes

The Vegas, having pared their script to the bone - there are no speeches and not a line of exposition - hew to the less is more school of art-film realism.

Manohla Dargis, New York Times, 05.05.2011

There's a message here regarding loneliness and emotional isolation, but the movie's real miracle is that, however precious its premise, this slow-burning not-quite heart-warmer never succumbs to cuteness.

J. Hoberman, Village Voice, 05.05.2011

A dolorous debut from the Peruvian brothers Daniel and Diego Vega and an oblique reminder that one person's fantasy can be another's nightmare -- at least at first glance.

Jeannette Catsoulis, NPR, 05.05.2011

A visually interesting, well-acted and economical movie that ought to work yet doesn't gel as a complete experience.